BAGHDAD, Apr 25 (NNN-NINA) – At least 24 people were killed and dozens others injured, in a huge fire that broke out in a hospital treating COVID-19 patients here, in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, official sources said today.
The incident occurred late last night, when several oxygen cylinders exploded, setting a huge fire at Ibn al-Khatib Hospital, which is dedicated to treating COVID-19 patients, on the eastern side of the capital, said a statement released by the country’s civil defence.
Civil defence teams and firefighting vehicles arrived at the scene to put out the fire and were able to prevent the fire from reaching the upper floors, the statement said.
They also rescued some 90 patients and health workers, who were surrounded by flames in the building, the statement said.
“Many patients were affected by the cut of oxygen cylinders, during their evacuation from the hospital, and others suffocated by the smoke.”
A statement by the media office of Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, said that, al-Kadhimi has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, and that the families of the victims would be compensated and treatment be provided for the wounded.
The incident came hours after the country’s ministry reported 6,967 new COVID-19 cases, taking the national tally to 1,025,288.
It also reported 43 new COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the national total to 15,217.– NNN-NINA
